I need your help deciding on a tile for the main bathroom at the studio.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to two choices.
Long story short, my new studio space used to be a house. The previous owners turned the house into an office space. When they remodeled, they roughed out a bathroom upstairs with plumbing and a tub {there is a working powder room downstairs}.
They never got around to finishing the upstairs bathroom and well, since we’ll need a functioning shower for the occasional house guest, we need to finish the bathroom.
It may not look like it in the photo but the bathroom is SUPER small. We will not be moving any walls. We simply just want to finish the space without spending a ton of money or doing anything major to it.
You know, the basics. Add a toilet, a sink, throw down some tile, install lighting and make a quick trip to Home Goods for a mirror and towels.
I have no idea where I’m going to find a tiny sink!!!
At first I thought maybe an 18” vanity would fit.
But then I measured for a vanity and there just isn’t enough room. Not if you want to open the door all the way. 🙂
I’m not even going to worry about the sink right now. I just want to focus on the bathroom tile for the floor and for the wonky sloped shower.
I found two tile combinations that I like.
#1 – 8×8 Khaki tile with cream flowers {for the back of the shower wall} long skinny subway tile {for the sides and that awkward sloped ceiling on the left} and plain matching 8×8 squares for the floor}.
It has a coastal, calm, English cottage vibe to it in my mind.
But I’m concerned it may be too dark though for the teeny tiny bathroom. Even if I did paint the walls a creamy white.
#2 – 4.5 x 9 Blue tile for the entire shower and 12×24 creamy stone look for the floor {with white painted walls}.
Again, I think it has a coastal beachy vibe to it and for me, it’s a little funky and out of my comfort zone.
Actually both of the choices are out of my comfort zone. But I don’t want white subway tiles again and I liked both the khaki flower tiles and the blue pencil tiles the second I saw them. Go with your gut I always say.
Bathrooms are HARD. Smaller bathrooms are even harder!
The space literally has room for a toilet, a small pedestal sink, 2 light fixtures, a mirror and a {tiny} natural wood floating shelf or two.
What do you think about the tiles?
Too ordinary? Too out there? Do you have a preference? Or should I scratch both ideas and try again?
~Mavis
P.S. I can’t stop thinking about the cover of the book: By The Sea, Life Along The Coast. Especially all those blues! I think it might be my inspiration for the new studio space. Beach and seaside vibes with pops of color. I love it!
Linda M says
I vote for #2..
Sink..perhaps an RV supply store.
Beth says
I vote for #2. I think the blue will pop and brighten the tiny space.
Jeanine says
Can you change the door to swing outward? Or possibly a pocket door? Go with your second choice. Love the book cover….great idea for a new rug pattern.
Mavis Butterfield says
We cannot change the door to a pocket door or change it to open a different direction.
Nancy says
I also vote for #2; especially with white walls. But I’m partial to blue!
Jen F says
Another vote for choice #2!
Wendy C says
I like them both, but if forced, I would go with #2, especially since you like the book cover colors so much.
Nancy says
Both are beautiful options but #1 would be my choice. Larger tiles can visually expand the space and the khaki has the look of a clear, open beach. Pull one of the soft blues from the book cover as a bath mat and towels. I’m with Linda, check an RV supply store for the sink. Can’t wait to see the finished room!
Paula says
#2
Tracy says
I think I would like Number 1 with towels and accessories leaning towards the royal blue whale in the picture. The blues in the tile of number 2 are pretty but the stripes would end up too busy for me.
Michelle says
Are you able to put in a pocket door or maybe even change the door to one that swings out instead of inward? That would allow for a larger vanity/sink. I like the #2 selection.
Mavis Butterfield says
We cannot change the door to a pocket door or change it to open a different direction.
Elaine says
IKEA has tiny bathroom sinks that are adorable!
Lynn says
I like #1 simply because you can then accessorize with color – particularly the blues you like.
FeeFee says
You should get one of those toilets that has the sink on top. These are extremely common in Japan. Obviously the clean water is used for the sink and then drains to be used for flushing the toilet.
Lisa says
#1 offers a classic neutral base that will allow you to seamlessly make changes to towels, paint colors, art, etc.
Check out Signature Hardware’s site; they have both wall hung and pedestal sinks that will fit your space!
Lori says
I vote for the blue – love the subtle color variations. Can you change the door to a bi-fold to gain a little more space? Have you checked FergusonHome.com for sinks?
christina says
Our one very small bathroom in our very small house was remodeled last year for us as we get older. ( took out the clawfoot tub and did a walk-in shower. The best place to get a small sink( like we did) is Ikea. They have several types, and I’m sure you would find one to fit. They do deliver if one is not close to you.
Dawn says
My vote is for #1. You can swap out accessories for pops of color. Plus, I love those flower tiles.
Kelly Jo says
I’d go with #2.
Mel says
It’s hard to tell how much room there is, but I think they make wall-mounted sinks. Could the sink also go under the light switch instead of behind the door? Is there more room that way since the door would generally be closed if someone were at the sink?
Julie says
I’d go with #2.